Wisher's Death: Quadruple leveling

New beginnings

Eiden met his friends on a long line leading out of Stripe's VR store. At the beginning of the year, it was just like any normal game store, but when The Wisher's Death became available there, its popularity sprung up. The owner, being greedy, decided to increase the price of the game every four weeks.

The people at the back of the line were already setting up camp, everyone wanted a chance.

“Eiden!” Jason called out to his attention. Of all of them, Jason was the closest to Eiden.

“You made it” Derrick punched his shoulder in a friendly gesture.

“Wouldn't miss it for the world,” Eiden said.

Derrick and Gabbie were the first to arrive, followed by Jason. They got into the line and kept a waiting space for Eiden.

The line kept moving and the four engaged in trivial chatter.

“I'm still bothered about when we took..you know what..from..you know who,” said Gabbie, her voice laced with guilt.

Derrick smiled, “the saying is correct”

Gabbie's brows drew together “What Saying?”

“Guys are logical, while girls are emotional.” his smile broadened.

Gabbie fumed, “What is that supposed to mean?”

Derrick shrugged and pouted. “I didn't think I'd have to spell it out; guys are stronger while girls are weak, which means guys make better decisions,” he concluded proudly.

Gabbie's face darkened, “I dare you to say that again”

Derrick, without care, carried on chanting, “Guys are stronger, taller, more advanced physically and mentally, logical in nature…”

Gabbie didn't hold back, she pulled aggressively on Derrick's hair.

“I'm sorry! I'm sorry!” he pleaded loudly but she didn't stop. They caused a ruckus and people started to complain.

“Hey! Respect yourselves or go to the back of the line!” A man behind roared. Even oldies were present to try out the virtual reality game.

Jason pulled Gabbie off Derrick's hair and tried calming her down. “It's not worth the trouble,” he told her, but she kept trying to attack Derrick.

Eiden stared at them wearily, such friends he had. Soon, their conflict ceased. Jason put himself in between the two, just in case.

Finally, their turn came and fortunately for them, four players entering the game simultaneously was possible. After making the purchases, they hurried on in.

First thing first, they admired the game room. It was decorated to the brim with designs and graphics from the actual game, it made the money spent worthwhile.

There were four glass tubes placed firmly on the ground; they resembled an elevator, but only one person could fit in. After a series of instructions from the worker, they took the virtual reality headset and stepped into the tubes.

Derrick took a long, deep breath while inside and exhaled. “Hell yeah! It was worth it,” he exclaimed loudly, but the glass was thick, and the others could barely hear him.

The worker gave them all a thumbs up, indicating if they were ready to go.

Eiden exhaled before putting the headset on. A status screen appeared before him, he understood how these worked.

[Welcome! Mortal to a world full of mysteries and adventure. What may we call you____]

On the status screen, a keyboard appeared. He typed his desired player name, one he had prepared specially for this.

[Welcome! Ryan Dragonheart to the Wisher's Death]

Another tab opened up

[Customize your character]

Eiden looked through the options; most of the skins, armor, and equipment were free to use; they had to be, considering the amount they paid.

Eiden decided to try out his favorite color, red; he wanted everything to be perfect. This was a one-time opportunity. Red spikey hair, crimson eyes, light golden armor, and a silver sword and shield.

Using his fingers on the touch screen, he looked at other tabs. He felt he was good to go.

[You look like a warrior Ryan Dragonheart. Start game: YES__RETURN__]

Eiden moved to tap on yes, but then suddenly, the blue hue status screen turned blood red. The words ‘Start game’ glowing in glitching lights. It startled him at first but he found his composure and tapped YES.

The air around him suddenly tightened, and an intense light shone; he felt like his body was being ripped apart and put together simultaneously. He grunted as the invisible force toyed with his nerves. The light was blinding and it pierced through his body multiple times.

He clutched onto his chest and hung onto life itself; he didn't understand what was happening, and his mind was too erratic to make any rational conclusions.

In the next moment, it all ceased. Eiden opened his eyes, his heart racing. Standing up from the grass he lay upon, he scrutinized the area. One minute he felt like he was dying, and in the next, it's all gone like it never happened to begin with.

Was that some kind of thrilling way to start the game? He wondered.

His mind went back to his friends; they all entered at the same time. Shouldn't they come in at the same time, too?

Eiden's eyes widened in shock as a blue

portal opened right before him. Gabbie fell through it and landed safely on the grass, then it disappeared.

What the? Eiden thought inwardly; the game was more unpredictable than he thought, but what he didn't understand was why he was able to recognize her.

Gabbie exhaled sharply before opening her eyes forcibly. She got up immediately, confused. She, too, went through the same experience as Eiden, and she didn't like it one bit.

“Gabbie, you-” he opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by two other portals that opened simultaneously before them.

Gabbie stood, bewildered while Eiden just watched. Both Jason and Derrick came out of it. Derrick opened his eyes even before reaching the grass. Jason woke up.

They both needed a little time to regain themselves. They stood up.

“That…was unexpected” Derrick blinked as he took in the scene.

It truly was, but for Eiden, what bugged him the most was why he was able to recognize his friends.